Effect of Physiotherapy Intervention for COVID-19 on Physical Function and Basic Movement Ability

Abstract

[Purpose] We compared the physical function and clinical course of COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia patients. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 12 COVID-19 and 10 bacterial pneumonia patients who were independent in activities of daily living before hospital admission and received artificial ventilation during hospitalization. [Results] Although the time from hospital admission to the start of rehabilitation in the COVID-19 group was significantly delayed compared to the bacterial pneumonia group, their physical function and basic movement ability tended to improve, in a manner similar to that of the bacterial pneumonia group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that it is necessary to start rehabilitation early for COVID-19 patients.